Learn to crochet

Here's just the help you need when trying to decipher crochet diagrams and written instructions, as well as detailed instructions for constructing of these topics have links to other relevant topics, too—so be sure to explore!

A treble crochet (sometimes called triple crochet) is taller than a double crochet and is made by working two yarn overs at the start of the stitch, instead of one yarn over as for double crochet. It is abbreviated tr.

In order to follow crochet instructions, you should know how to make the basic stitches and be familiar with basic procedures for making crochet fabric. You should also be familiar with the abbreviations for basic crochet stitches.

Listed below are standard abbreviations and symbols that you may find in crochet patterns on redheart.com. All standard abbreviations used in a particular pattern are also listed at the end of the pattern.

Within a row and within a pattern you may repeat stitches several times. These are written in repeats to make the pattern easier to read. If you find it difficult to follow along a pattern written this way, you can always take another piece of paper and write out every repeat yourself.

The shell stitch is a stitch pattern in crochet that can be worked in a variety of different ways. This crochet guide teaches you different variations of the shell stitch and shares patterns for practicing this fun design.

Any combination of stitches may be joined into a cluster by leaving the last loop of each stitch on the hook until they are worked off together at the end. Working stitches together in this way can also be a method of decreasing.

Popcorns are groups of complete stitches usually worked into the space place, folded and closed at the top. They can be worked in half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, or longer stitches. An extra chain can be worked to close and secure the top of the popcorn.

Any combination of stitches may be joined into a cluster by leaving the last loop of each stitch on the hook until they are worked off together at the end. Working stitches together in this way can also be a method of decreasing.

The project instructions will specify if you are to work into the front or back loop of the stitch in the row below. Unless otherwise stated, always work under two strands of the top of the stitch in the row below.

Diagrams are read exactly as the crochet is worked. Each stitch is represented by a symbol that has been drawn to resemble its crocheted equivalent. The position of the symbol shows where the stitch should be placed and worked.

Crochet instructions may be written in text (with or without abbreviations), and/ or graphed or charted in symbols. Being able to read symbol charts expands your options for working with different types of crochet patterns. This guide explains how to read crochet charts.

Crochet post stitches, where the stitch is worked around the post of the previous row instead of into the top of the stitch, are easy to learn and versatile to use. Post stitches can be used to make highly textured fabric, add unique decorative details and strengthen the functionality of various products such as hat brims. They are definitely a technique worth mastering.

The basketweave crochet stitch is a beautiful textured stitch that creates a woven fabric rich in density and beauty. It can be worked in any type of yarn although it looks especially beautiful in a classic worsted weight yarn such as Super Saver Yarn because of the structure of the stitch. This guide will teach you all about how to crochet basketweave stitch. including the most popular version of the stitch and a set of variations to play with.

Crossed stitches are created when you skip spaces, crochet a stitch and then crochet a stitch into the skipped stitches; you have crossed one stitch over another by working backwards into the skipped area. Crossed stitches are the foundation of creating crochet cables, and they can also be used as decorative textured stitches in their own right. This guide shows you how to crochet some of the most common crossed stitches.

Finger crochet is a terrific form of crochet that many people seem hesitant to try. Don't be afraid - it's exactly the same as your regular crochet work except that you replace your crochet hook with your finger.

You may have heard of an I-cord in knitting, a small tube knit in the round with just a few stitches, but did you know you can make one in crochet, too? These seamless tubes are great for making straps, drawstrings, ties, and decorative piping trim for your crochet projects.

Double-stranded or multi-stranded crochet, where you hold two or more yarn strands together as you crochet, is a terrific technique to incorporate into your craft experience. Adapting to crocheting with multiple yarns is fairly simple but you can do a lot with it if you learn all of the tips and tricks for this niche. This guide provides that foundation.

The chevron pattern is a bold graphic pattern that recurs again and again as a popular trend in fashion, home decor and even architecture. There are as many different ways to crochet chevrons as there are projects they are used on, but they all have a few things in common so once you learn the basics you'll be able to adapt that knowledge to making all varieties of chevron crochet patterns. This guide will give you that foundation.

Tunisian crochet is a type of crochet that holds multiple loops on the hook in a style similar to what is done in knitting. It differs from knitting in that it uses a crochet hook, not knitting needles. The result is a fabric that is beautifully textured using a technique that combines the best of knitting and crochet.

Join-as-you-go crochet (also known as JAYGO) is important to add to your repertoire of crochet techniques if you love to make items from lots of small motifs but don't enjoy the end stage of the project when you have to join the motifs and weave in all of those ends. With JAYGO, the motifs are all joined along the way, and although there are some ends to weave in, you can handle a lot of them as you go so that the finishing stage of the project is only a small part of the process.

The yo-yo is a new, trending crochet motif that has gained rapid popularity. Although there are several different designs for the crochet yo-yo, basically it's a small crochet circle made using just one or two rounds of stitches.

Hairpin lace is a beautiful variation on crochet, in which you combine a standard crochet hook with a certain type of loom to create lacy, openwork designs. Once you've seen hairpin lace, you will always immediately recognize it, because it has a very unique appearance that never fails to catch the eye.

Bead crochet is a fairly easy technique to learn. Beads can add great detail to projects, making them pop with color and texture and sparkle with design. Bead crochet is especially great for jewelry and bridal crochet projects but can be used throughout your work. This guide teaches you the basics of bead crochet.

The Solomon's Knot takes the basic features of simple crochet stitches and elevates them to create a unique design that is under-used in crochet patterns today. The stitch is a versatile openwork stitch that can range from extra-lacy to slightly open depending upon the height of your stitches.

Freeform crochet can be anything that you want it to be. While there aren't any "rules" for freeform crochet, there are some great starting points and tips for people who would like to express themselves in this way but who aren't sure where to begin. This guide will help you get started in the adventure of freeform crochet.

In this guide, you'll learn the basic stitches in left-handed crochet, tips for learning more, information on finding left-handed pattern sources and guidance for adapting existing patterns to your left-handed crochet style. Are you a right-handed crocheter who wants to teach a leftie how to crochet? There's information on that in this guide, too!

Surface crochet is a technique for adding embroidery-style designs to your crochet work. There are a few different ways to work surface crochet, the most common of which is with the slip stitch. In this technique, you create a row of slip stitches on the surface of your crochet fabric by pulling loops through from the back of the fabric to the front in the shape of the pattern that you want to design on the front of the work.

Have you ever tried to pull yarn from the center of a skein and had trouble? You may have been trying to pull from a ball -- and balls are not wound to be able to pull from the middle. Follow this handy guide to figure out if you have a ball or a skein, what the difference is, and how to find the end.

Tassels are a fun way to decorate the end of a scarf or the edge of a blanket, and they are easier to make than you think! Follow our step-by-step instructions and you'll have your own set in no time at all.